American Legion members pay Memorial Day tribute in Bustleton

Members of the Bustleton American Legion Post 810 know Memorial Day is not just an excuse to have friends and family over to barbecue.

Like many in the Northeast, the post uses the day to commemorate all those who gave service in their neighborhoods. The tradition, to honor all soldiers who have served for our country – not only the ones who have passed – has carried on for more than 20 years.

Joe Schuman, commander of Post 810, led eight different ceremonies early Monday, visiting local cemeteries and memorial sites to remember the soldiers that gave their lives.

The day’s last ceremony commenced at noon right out front of the American Legion building. Members, family and neighbors stood and watched the commander and other members of the post perform the short ceremony.

They announced all of their members who passed this last year, placed a wreath at its memorial and shot the rifles while the crowd listened to the trumpet playing the traditional funeral song, Taps.

After the ceremony, attunes were invited to stay for a classic American luncheon of hotdogs and drinks.

Laura Robb is a student reporting for Philadelphia Neighborhoods, the publication of Temple University’s Multimedia Urban Reporting Lab.